A Comparative Guide to 6 AI Image Generation Tools｜After actually trying it out, I recommend that!

新しい試みの一環として、以前執筆したこちらの記事を英語に翻訳したものです。※英文は同じ内容です。

As part of a new initiative, this article is an English translation of one I previously wrote in Japanese.

内容は同じですが、母国語が英語の方々へ届けたいと思い、執筆してみました。（画像に関しては、一部再編していますのでご了承ください）

The content remains the same, but I wanted to make it accessible to English-speaking readers. (Please note that some images have been slightly reorganized for this version.)

～ChatGPT, PixAI, Canva, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Image_fx Thoroughly Analyzed～

AI image generation tools have rapidly increased in number, making it possible for anyone to easily create illustrations and designs. Yet with so many options available, many people wonder: Which tool is truly the right one for me?

In practice, each tool has its own strengths and areas of specialization. Some excel in creating anime-style characters, while others are better suited for business materials or social media graphics. Simply choosing a tool because it’s well-known can sometimes lead to disappointment when it doesn’t deliver the style or quality you expected.

This article compares six representative AI image generation tools—ChatGPT, PixAI, Canva, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Image_fx—based on actual hands-on experience. The focus is on clarifying which tool is best suited for which use case. By the end, you should have a clearer idea of which option works best for your own needs.

The Diversification of AI Image Generation Tools and How to Choose the Right One

AI-powered image generation has become widely used in both business and personal communication.

From social media eye-catch images and presentation slides to blog illustrations, character design, and digital art, the range of applications continues to expand.

At the same time, many people are struggling with the challenge of “too many tools to choose from.”

In reality, the choices vary widely—from general-purpose services such as ChatGPT and Canva to more specialized tools like PixAI and Image_fx. Since each offers its own free tier and unique strengths, simply choosing a tool because it’s popular can often lead to disappointment when it doesn’t deliver the results you expect.

In this article, we compare six representative tools—ChatGPT, PixAI, Canva, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Image_fx—based on actual hands-on experience.

The key point is to clarify which tool is best suited for which purpose.

We hope this guide helps you find the AI image generation tool that best matches your own needs.

Evaluation Criteria for Comparison

When comparing AI image generation tools, it’s not enough to simply ask, “Which tool produces the most beautiful images?”
The priorities vary depending on the user: someone creating business materials will focus on different factors than someone designing anime-style characters.

For this reason, this article uses the following five evaluation criteria:

1. Ease of Getting Started
How simple is the registration process and user interface? Can beginners start creating without confusion? The lower the barrier to entry, the better.

2. Image Quality and Style
What types of visuals does the tool excel at? Realistic, anime-style, design-oriented? The breadth of expression and stability of results differ significantly between tools.

3. Functionality and Prompt Usability
Does the tool support editing functions, templates, or advanced options such as LoRA? How well does it handle Japanese prompts, and how flexible is it in interpreting natural language? These factors directly affect usability.

4. Pricing and Commercial Use
How much can be done for free, and what do paid plans offer? Are the generated images cleared for commercial use? Cost and legal reliability are critical for long-term adoption.

5. Speed and Stability
How quickly can ideas be turned into images, and how reliable is the output? Frequent errors or slow generation times can undermine practical usability.

By applying these five criteria, we analyze each of the six tools in detail. This makes it easier to identify the best match for different use cases and user goals.

Comparative Analysis of Each Tool

Here, we provide a comparative analysis of ChatGPT, PixAI, Canva, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Image_fx, based on hands-on experience with each tool.

We will introduce them one by one in order.

Please note that the impressions are primarily based on using the free versions, offering an overview from that perspective.

ChatGPT

Ease of Getting Started

ChatGPT’s image generation can be used with the same interface as its regular chat function. Once you have an account, no special apps or settings are required—just type a text prompt, and the tool will generate an image. Because it doesn’t require technical knowledge, this low barrier to entry provides great reassurance for first-time users.

Image Quality and Style

The generated images are suitable for use in blog eye-catch images or social media posts. ChatGPT excels at producing soft, simple illustrations but is less effective when it comes to highly detailed photorealistic art or intricate anime-style characters, where specialized tools like PixAI perform better. Rather than aiming for perfection, ChatGPT is best for everyday tasks and communication where “quick and usable visuals” are needed.

Functionality and Prompt Usability

Although advanced features such as LoRA or model switching are not available, ChatGPT allows you to iteratively refine outputs by simply requesting adjustments. Commands like “Make the background brighter” or “Please add a smile” in Japanese are understood and reflected in the results. The ability to use natural language directly, without the need for complex prompt design, significantly reduces the burden on users.

Pricing and Commercial Use

Image generation is available even on the free plan, making it suitable for light use such as blogs or presentations. However, the number of images that can be generated per day is limited, and during peak times, the free plan may occasionally fail to generate results. Paid plans remove many of these limitations: ChatGPT Plus costs $20/month, while ChatGPT Pro costs $200/month. For most individuals, Plus is sufficient, while Pro is recommended for corporate users who want to fully leverage the platform. Commercial use is permitted under OpenAI’s terms, but since the terms are occasionally updated, it is wise to check regularly.

Speed and Stability

Compared to other AI image generators, ChatGPT tends to be slower, and at certain times of day, it may be temporarily difficult to generate images. That said, its strong support for Japanese text prompts makes it reliable in terms of usability. For many everyday purposes, it provides a stable option despite occasional delays.

PixAI

Ease of Getting Started

Once you create an account, you immediately receive credits that can be used to generate images. Additional credits can be obtained through daily logins. Simply enter your desired text prompt and tap the generate button to easily create AI images.

Image Quality and Style

PixAI excels in anime-style and character design. It produces highly detailed drawings and expressive characters, making it especially valued by users who seek high-quality 2D illustrations. While it is less suitable for photorealistic images or business-style materials, it is ideal for character creation, doujin activities, or visual assets for games and novels. Its strength lies in bringing unique and distinctive styles to life.

Functionality and Prompt Usability

Built on Stable Diffusion, PixAI supports advanced features such as LoRA and model switching. With detailed prompts, users can control elements like costumes and backgrounds, giving it a high degree of customization. It also supports Japanese input to some extent, but combining it with English prompts often yields higher accuracy. For creative users, the freedom to fine-tune outputs is a major advantage.

Pricing and Commercial Use

PixAI can be used for free, with optional paid plans that increase the number of generations and unlock additional features. Plans range from about ¥1,680/month for the Starter plan to ¥8,400/month for the Premium plan. Compared to other tools, PixAI offers excellent cost performance, enabling the creation of professional-quality anime illustrations on a modest budget. Commercial use is explicitly covered in the terms, making it suitable for both freelance and professional work. (Note: discount campaigns may end without notice, so listed prices reflect regular rates.)

Speed and Stability

When using credits for high-speed generation, PixAI delivers images at nearly the same speed as Canva. Japanese prompts generally work, but English prompts provide more consistent and accurate results. Overall, it offers stable performance as long as credit limits are managed properly.

Canva

Ease of Getting Started

Canva’s image generation can be used simply by creating an account. While the interface is in English, built-in translation features make it accessible. By selecting the “Magic Media” option, users can generate images, graphics, and more without difficulty.

Image Quality and Style

Originally known as an online design platform, Canva has extended its functionality to include AI image generation. The generated visuals are well-suited for social media posts, blog eye-catch images, and presentation materials. Although its photorealistic output is less refined than that of specialized tools, Canva excels at producing bright, practical visuals quickly. It also supports illustration-style and anime-inspired outputs, giving users a wide range of styles to explore.

Functionality and Prompt Usability

Canva’s greatest strength is the seamless integration of image generation with its design editing features. Generated images can be placed directly into templates, with text, layouts, and effects easily added. Japanese prompts are generally well-supported, and even short instructions are automatically supplemented by Canva’s processing, often producing results close to what users envision. While advanced customization options are limited, the intuitive workflow allows users—even those without specialized knowledge—to create polished, presentation-ready designs.

Pricing and Commercial Use

Canva offers a free plan with limited credits, allowing users to try out AI image generation. Paid plans expand the number of generations and unlock a vast library of templates and design resources. Canva Pro costs around ¥1,180/month, while Canva Teams is available for about ¥1,500/month (with annual payment options). Pro is recommended for individual creators, while Teams is ideal for small groups or business use. Designs can generally be used commercially, as Canva provides clearly defined licensing terms. However, users should note that reselling templates or registering designs that directly use Canva’s assets as trademarks is prohibited.

Speed and Stability

Among the six tools compared, Canva ranks at the top in terms of generation speed. Japanese prompts typically work without major issues, though fine-grained details are sometimes less accurate. When using English prompts, results often align more closely with the intended design. One limitation is that free credits can run out quickly, preventing further image generation until they are replenished.

Gemini

Ease of Getting Started

Like ChatGPT, Gemini allows users to begin image generation through a conversational interface. Once an account is created, prompts can be entered in Japanese or English, and images are generated directly. This makes it easy for anyone who wants to casually try out AI image generation.

Image Quality and Style

Developed by Google, Gemini leverages its strengths in search and data processing while supporting image generation. The resulting visuals are generally calm in tone and balanced in composition, making them suitable for business documents or educational use. Gemini performs particularly well with realistic depictions and natural backgrounds. However, it is less adept at producing anime-style or highly stylized character art, where more specialized tools like PixAI excel. For use cases requiring precision and structural balance, Gemini demonstrates clear strengths.

Functionality and Prompt Usability

Gemini integrates seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem, including services such as Search, Docs, and Slides. This allows generated images to be easily incorporated into everyday workflows. Prompts can be written in Japanese, and even short instructions are intelligently supplemented to produce relevant outputs. For users already working extensively with Google services, this connectivity offers a significant advantage by streamlining the process from generation to application.

Pricing and Commercial Use

Gemini offers a free tier for basic use, though heavy daily use may trigger limitations. Paid plans include Google AI Pro at ¥2,900/month and Google AI Ultra at ¥36,400/month. These plans expand generation capacity, improve response speed, and unlock more advanced models for higher-quality outputs. Commercial use is permitted under Google’s terms of service, but users should remain cautious regarding potential copyright issues, particularly when generating character images. Occasional promotions—such as one free month for students—may be offered but are not guaranteed to be permanent.

Speed and Stability

In terms of speed, Gemini sits in the middle range: faster than ChatGPT but slower than Canva. For casual use with a few generations per day, it performs adequately. Japanese prompts generally work, though instructions requiring Japanese text within the image may not always succeed. Using English prompts often results in more stable and accurate outputs.

Microsoft Copilot

Ease of Getting Started

Like Gemini, Microsoft Copilot can be used easily once an account is created. By entering a request such as “Please create an illustration like this” in Japanese, the tool generates an image through a conversational interface. It is well-suited for those who want to casually try out AI image generation.

Image Quality and Style

Microsoft Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 applications such as Word and PowerPoint, and it supports image generation as part of this ecosystem. The generated visuals are practical and well-suited for business documents or presentation slides. It performs strongly with realistic graphics and formal, restrained design styles. On the other hand, Copilot is less effective at producing creative or stylized visuals such as anime or fantasy illustrations.

Functionality and Prompt Usability

The biggest strength of Copilot is its deep integration with Microsoft Office products. Generated images can be inserted directly into PowerPoint slides or edited within Word, making it easy to incorporate them into existing workflows. Prompts can be written in Japanese, and even short requests often yield coherent, usable results. While advanced customization is limited, the tool is designed for “immediate business use,” making it straightforward for office workers and professionals.

Pricing and Commercial Use

Copilot is available for free in its basic version, with additional functionality available through paid upgrades. The Microsoft Copilot Pro plan (around ¥3,200/month) provides priority access to peak-time AI models and additional features. Commercial use is clearly defined under Microsoft’s terms of service, ensuring that as long as users comply with the guidelines, the tool can be safely used for professional purposes. With the backing of Microsoft’s global ecosystem, Copilot offers a strong sense of security that other AI tools cannot easily match.

Speed and Stability

In terms of speed, Copilot is roughly on par with Gemini. Its Japanese support is notably strong, allowing users to generate images that closely align with their intended ideas. While the free version imposes limits on the number of images that can be generated per day, it is sufficient for light use and experimentation. For heavier usage, the paid plan provides a more practical option.

Image_fx

Ease of Getting Started

Image_fx can be used easily with just a Google account. Simply enter a text prompt, and images are generated without complex setup, making it very accessible to first-time users.

Image Quality and Style

Image_fx is notable for its ability to produce distinctive and original visuals. It is especially strong in anime- and manga-inspired styles, offering unique aesthetics not commonly found in other tools. This makes it appealing to creators seeking originality and differentiation in their work. However, it is less suitable for photorealistic rendering or for generating the kind of polished, formal visuals often required in business settings.

Functionality and Prompt Usability

Prompts can be entered in Japanese, and the tool generally produces results from short, simple instructions. It also supports the use of custom filters and styles, enabling users to create visuals with a unique look and feel. While its editing functions are more limited compared to major platforms, Image_fx works well for straightforward use cases—“give a short instruction, get a unique illustration.” Users with more specialized prompt skills can push it further to achieve results closer to their intended vision.

Pricing and Commercial Use

At present (as of August 2025), Image_fx offers only a free plan, with no paid options available. This makes it easy to try, but also limits the number of images that can be generated in a short period. Commercial use is less clearly defined in the terms of service, and therefore requires careful review before using outputs in professional contexts. It is better suited for personal projects or experimental creative work rather than large-scale commercial applications.

Speed and Stability

Since only a free plan is available, heavy or rapid image generation can trigger restrictions. While Japanese prompts are supported, their accuracy is somewhat inconsistent, and English instructions tend to produce more reliable outputs. For casual use—such as generating a handful of images to test ideas—the tool is practical and easy to use.

Summary: Comparison Table of 6 Tools

Here is a comparison table summarizing the results of actually using all six tools.

Because this analysis is based on hands-on experience, the strengths and weaknesses of each tool become much clearer. We hope this serves as a useful reference when choosing the right tool for your needs.

So, Which Tool Is the Most Recommended?

Based on hands-on experience with all six tools, if your goal is to generate AI images consistently and reliably, PixAI is the top recommendation.

The main reason is its fast generation speed (with the high-speed option) and the fact that, unlike other tools, it does not impose functionality restrictions as long as you have credits available.

While it may not be the best fit for business use, for personal enjoyment this tool is honestly the clear winner.

Another standout feature compared to other platforms is how easily it can generate anime-style characters. By choosing models such as “Haruka v2” or “Tsubaki,” users can quickly create female characters (and with the right prompts, male characters as well).

Using English prompts is not a major barrier either—simply write your instructions in Japanese, translate them into English, and input them. That alone is enough to achieve solid results.

From a cost-performance perspective as well, PixAI is highly recommended. If you find yourself enjoying AI image creation enough to consider signing up, PixAI is a great platform to register for and explore further.